Effort to Match Seized New York Horses, Owners Continues

Eight weeks after seizing 85 allegedly malnourished Thoroughbred horses from a Troupsburg, N.Y., breeding farm, authorities with the Finger Lakes Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) are still trying to match the horses with their rightful owners.

SPCA Investigators seized the horses from Norcrest/Middle Creek Farm, operated by Geraldine Trupia, on Aug. 29 and 30. Since then, five horses had to be euthanized, and one was returned to its owner. The remaining horses are receiving foster care in private homes.

Trupia pleaded guilty Oct. 1 to two counts of Class A misdemeanor animal cruelty under a plea agreement. According to the deal, she would serve two 3-year supervised probation terms to run concurrently, be prohibited from working around domestic or companion animals, and submit to twice-monthly visits from SPCA investigators and a probation officer. Her formal sentencing is slated for Nov. 12 in Troupsburg Town Court.

Trupia also relinquished ownership of the seized horses that belonged to her. But authorities believe several horses were at the farm on breeding leases to Trupia from out-of-state owners. Trupia held the leased horses' Jockey Club registration papers, but the documents were not found among Trupia's farm records, which were seized.

One of the horses seized from Norcrest Farm.

"We are still communicating with individuals who might be horse owners, and expect that between six and eight horses could be returning to their owners in coming weeks," said SPCA Executive Director Vicki Mosgrove,

Mosgrove said the horses are thriving, but their care is costly. The agency has spent $24,768 for medical care, feed, and supplies since the seizure. Donations are helping to defray ongoing costs, bolstered by an emergency equine grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and a Maryland Hay Angels contribution for hay purchases.

Owners of horses that were on lease to Trupia at the time of the seizure should call the SPCA at 607/776-3039. Proof of legal ownership is required to claim a horse.